To switch or not to switch
 

As indicated in my previous thread: http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=14724 i am currently using an Antennacraft HBU33 with fair results.

I have a relative who has a friend that recently purchased an Antennacraft C490 and wants to get rid of it at a super low price. It has only been used a few months and is beyond the store's return policy. If i were to replace the HBU33 with this antenna, would there be any advantage to doing so?

Your opinions please :)

The C490 would add the ability to receive real channels 2 through 6, a capability you have no need for, at least for now. You would also get more FM signal from the air... Which may not be a problem, but in a few cases may actually interfere with reception of one or more TV signals.

In all likelihood, you would see no difference in reception as compared to the HBU-33.

I figured as much. I guess sometimes, bigger is not better.:)

That's usually what the guys w' the little antennas, say. :D

"It's not the size that counts... It's how you use it!" :D

Sheriff of Rottingham, Robin Hood Men in Tights

:eek::D Funny, that's what the wife use to say and i emphasize "use to say" :p

The guy still hasn't sold the C490 and since it is a steal and could be used for backup, i'm gonna give it a shot and have a friend put it up for testing for a few weeks. We'll see what happens. :)

What, if any, performance increase would be seen between the HBU33 & HBU55

It's a bit difficult to determine that, when they rate their performance in miles.
The 55 would most likely clean up anything that is borderline w/ the 33.
You wouldn't know this though, unless you tried the 33 first. If the decision has come down to these two, then I would buy the better one. You'll get your money back, eventually.

Stereocraig, see post #1. I'm already using the HBU33 but looking to increase performance on a few channels that are borderline.

Ah yes, it's my first day w/ the new fingers =D

Sounds like you're on the right track.

Thanks Stereocraig:)

I really would like better performance and am willing to fork out the additional cost of the HBU55 but the C490's price from the friend is really attractive. If the C490 isn't gonna give me better performance than the current HBU33, then the HBU55 is the next step. Trying to penny-pinch here a little and still see an increase in the performance.

Anymore comments on the possibility of any performance increase between the HBU33 and the C490 is appreciated.

http://i61.tinypic.com/e16xll.jpg

In order of gain, it's HBU33, C490, HBU55. The pdf's above are arranged C490, HBU33, and HBU 55, from left to right. Note that without the low-vhf elements, the HBU55 is the same length, but half the width. These data sheets are on Antennacraft's web site in the documents tab for each one.

If it were me, I'd do the 55 if I did anything at all, and was going to go to all the trouble and expense of swapping antennas, but it's not my money you're spending.

Very informative, Thank you Sir :)

Just out of curiosity, what about your reception needs improving? Are certain channels pixelating, freezing, or sometimes there - sometimes not? Or is the signal strength and/or signal quality meter showing less than consistent high numbers, but the picture is otherwise solid on all channels?

Pixelation and fluctuating signal strengths on some channels. The HBU33 has been re-aimed a few times and it's current setting seems to be the best. I just thought that with the pines in the vicinity, that changing out things could possibly help. One channel in particular, WVEC 13.1, should be consistent with the others but it isn't. Mild windy days and rain degrade most of the channels but I guess that is to be expected.

I've had cable and satellite mostly and am just not experienced in the OTA arena.